Depending on how often you plan to use the eye drops and what you're using them for, a preservative-free brand may be best. Also, some preservatives are safer than others.
Make sure to look at the active ingredients in your eye drops -- some chemicals can cause issues in the eyes over time.
Eye drops may be designed to treat dryness, redness or other eye issues. Some conditions require prescription eye drops instead of over-the-counter ones.
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If you're experiencing dry, itchy, red eyes due to environmental changes, contact lenses, or other specific medical conditions, eye drops can provide relief. Over-the-counter eye drops can easily be found at your local drugstore, but they're not all designed the same. To help you find the OTC eye drops for your personal needs, we reached out to eye doctors to find out which eye drops they use and recommend to their own patients.
However, if you continue to have eye issues even with eye drops, you should see your eye doctor to rule out any underlying problems. Eye drops are not a substitute for regular eye exams that check for your overall vision and eye health.
What are the best eye drops overall?
The IVIZIA eye drops are a top favorite among eye doctors for multi-purpose use. Amazon
The iVizia sterile lubricant eye drops are our pick for the best eye drops overall, because they're recommended by many professionals and versatile enough for a range of eye issues.
Best eye drops of 2026
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